Which type of referral fees may be paid to an unlicensed employee of a producer?

In the context of Mississippi's insurance regulations, it is permissible for a licensed insurance producer to pay an unlicensed employee a fixed dollar amount as a referral fee. This approach allows for compensation without complicating regulatory compliance, as unlicensed individuals are not authorized to engage in activities that require a license, such as negotiating or selling insurance. By providing a fixed dollar amount, the insurance producer adheres to guidelines that prevent the unlicensed employee from receiving commission-based pay or any percentage of the earned commissions, which would typically require a license.

Other options, such as a percentage of the earned commission or fluctuating amounts based on performance, could lead to complications since they imply a commission structure tied to the production of insurance sales. Commissions generally necessitate licensing due to the regulatory framework surrounding insurance transactions. Therefore, the established method of compensating unlicensed employees with a straightforward, fixed amount effectively ensures compliance with legal standards while rewarding them for their efforts.